NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya National Highways Authority (Kenya National Highways Authority) has ordered the removal of all unauthorised structures along three major highways within 30 days, in a fresh enforcement drive aimed at restoring order on road reserves.
The affected roads are Chebarbar–Lessos–Nabkoi (B12), Mayoni–Bungoma (B139), and Chepsonoi–Kapsabet (B12), where the agency says widespread encroachment has compromised planned road reserve protection measures.
Targeted structures on road reserves
In the notice, KeNHA said the directive applies to all developments erected without official approval within road reserves on both sides of the listed highways.
These include makeshift structures, permanent and semi-permanent buildings, billboards, directional and advertising signs, tree nursery beds, and any other installations placed without consent.
The Authority also noted that the order covers encroachments along both old and newly realigned road corridors.
“All the operators are, therefore, through this Notice, directed to remove all the said structures within 30 days from the Date of this Notice. This is to pave the way for the implementation of road reserve protection activities,” the notice read.
June 2026 deadline set
The compliance deadline has been set for June 26, 2026. After this period, KeNHA warned it will move in to demolish all remaining structures without further reference to the owners or operators.
The agency said enforcement will be carried out in line with Clause 49 of the Roads Act, 2007, which empowers it to protect and manage road reserves across the national trunk road network.
Cost burden to fall on owners
KeNHA further cautioned that where forced removals are undertaken, the cost will be recovered from the affected owners or operators.
The directive effectively shifts responsibility for compliance to individuals and businesses occupying road reserves illegally, reinforcing the government’s long-standing stance against roadside encroachment.
Broader push for road reserve protection
The move comes amid renewed efforts by road agencies to reclaim encroached land reserved for future expansion, drainage systems, and safety buffers along highways.
Road reserve violations have been a persistent challenge, particularly in fast-growing trading centres where informal settlements and commercial structures often expand toward road corridors.
Authorities argue that such encroachments not only hinder infrastructure upgrades but also increase safety risks for motorists and pedestrians.
